At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing and advisory services, ensuring operational excellence and strategic growth.
- Company: Join BRE, a global leader in innovation and sustainability in the built environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on creating safer, sustainable buildings for everyone.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in technical operations with strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Make your mark at BRE! BRE is a world-leading global organisation for innovation, science and data in the built environment. For over 100 years, we have supported governments, businesses and industry with pioneering research, testing and expertise. We are focused on growth, scale and expanding our global impact with products, services, standards and qualifications that address the challenges of a changing world. Driven by our purpose of helping everyone, in every building, everywhere, we are creating a safer, more sustainable built environment for people and planet.
Your role at BRE
Reporting to the Deputy Managing Director for Assurance, the Testing & Advisory Lead is responsible for the strategic, operational and commercial leadership of BRE's testing and advisory portfolio. You'll oversee laboratories, testing facilities and technical teams, ensuring services are safe, efficient, accredited and commercially successful. This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll balance operational excellence with long-term growth. You'll lead technical capability development, oversee investment in facilities and equipment, drive innovation in testing and advisory services, and build strong relationships with customers, regulators and industry stakeholders. You'll also hold accountability for financial performance, resource planning and the continued growth of the function.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the safe and effective operation of laboratories, testing facilities and technical resources.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements and accreditation frameworks, including UKAS and ISO/IEC 17025.
- Drive technical excellence, governance and risk management across testing activities.
- Develop and grow new testing capabilities, methodologies and advisory services.
- Own financial performance, including budgets, pricing strategy and P&L management.
- Oversee laboratory capacity, equipment investment and long-term technical capability planning.
- Build and develop high-performing teams through workforce planning, succession planning and leadership development.
- Partner with commercial teams to strengthen customer relationships, win new business and grow revenue.
- Represent BRE with customers, regulators, trade bodies and technical committees.
- Provide regular performance reporting and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
What we are looking for
We're looking for an accomplished senior leader with experience leading testing, laboratory, engineering or technical service operations in a regulated environment. You'll bring:
- Significant leadership experience within commercial laboratories, testing organisations, engineering operations or similar technical environments.
- A strong track record of managing operational performance alongside commercial and financial responsibility, including budgets and P&L ownership.
- Experience leading accredited testing, quality management systems, technical governance and compliance activities.
- Strong knowledge of laboratory operations, technical equipment, facilities management and resource planning.
- Experience developing new technical services, capabilities or customer-focused solutions.
- Proven ability to lead, coach and develop technical teams through change and growth.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience building relationships across customers, leadership teams and external partners.
- Strong strategic thinking, commercial awareness and decision-making capability.
- Experience with ISO/IEC 17025, UKAS-accredited testing environments, laboratory investment programmes, technical advisory services, or working with regulators and industry bodies would be particularly beneficial.
BRE Benefits
At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well-being, and career development.
Financial & Security Benefits
- Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution
- Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
- Enhanced maternity package
Health & Wellbeing
- HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
- Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at-cost EV charging points
Career Development
- Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
- Professional membership reimbursement
For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits
Work Location Options
Hybrid – This role offers a mix of home and office working. You will need to be within commuting distance of our Watford office, as you will be expected to attend in person (3 - 4 times per week depending on business needs).
Our Recruitment Process
As part of our recruitment process we will be conducting 10-30 minute phone screening calls via an AI recruiter called Ryan with all shortlisted candidates. The information gathered from this screening will be used to help assess your suitability for the position.
Equal Opportunities Statement
BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.
Testing & Advisory Lead in Watford employer: BRE
At BRE, we pride ourselves on being a world-leading organisation dedicated to innovation and sustainability in the built environment. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and collaboration, while our comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities, ensures that our employees feel valued and supported. Join us in making a meaningful impact as you lead a high-performing team in either our Watford or Glasgow office, contributing to a safer and more sustainable future for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Testing & Advisory Lead in Watford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Testing & Advisory Lead role you’re after at BRE.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at BRE a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at BRE.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Testing & Advisory Lead at BRE, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Testing & Advisory Lead in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Testing & Advisory Lead, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at BRE a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to BRE specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRE
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with BRE, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like BRE want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
